36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:36-38)
In the last few years, I have seen a handful of my favorite public pastors fall. These are leaders that many relied on for encouragement and direction who like so many, came undone. Our faith is in desperate need of public figures who interact in the public circle in a Christ-centered way. Where is this generation’s Billy Graham? Where are the shepherds? In the absence of such figures, culture actually believes that the likes of Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell Jr., and Westboro speak for us. This is dangerous. While Billy Graham was controversial at times, and I am sure ridiculed by culture, he stood as a constant; a mouthpiece of Grace. You knew where he stood. Today, the leaders we see are often arrogant, undereducated, and deeply flawed.
But whose fault is this?
I love this Scripture from Jesus in Matthew because it puts the responsibility on the saint. You and I. The next time I pray for God to raise up public leaders will probably be the first. Jesus is stating that the world actually wants to hear the message we have, so learn the message and share it with others. It’s that easy. Today, pray for leaders who never waver. Men and women who are above all else humble and committed to the works of Christ. Pray for shepherds to lead and sheep to follow.
Lord, bring deeply committed people to lead your church and speak of your Gospel for a culture who is in need. Create in us a harvest attitude.
Matt simon blog 